Comprehensive Guide to Pleural Mesothelioma: Stages and Treatment Options

Pleural mesothelioma, primarily caused by asbestos exposure, presents symptoms like chest pain, pleurisy, difficulty breathing, fever, lower back discomfort, facial and limb swelling, persistent dry cough, hemoptysis, fluid buildup in the lungs, chest lumps, and unexplained weight loss.

This cancer progresses through four stages. It tends to metastasize to lymph nodes and occasionally to other parts of the body, though brain involvement is rare. Diagnosis typically involves determining the cancer's stage via biopsy.

The initial stage confines the cancer within the pleural lining of the lungs. In stage two, it extends to parts of the lung, diaphragm, and nearby lymph nodes. Stage three involves spread to adjacent organs and additional lymph nodes, while stage four indicates metastasis to distant organs and extensive lymph node involvement.

Many diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma are military veterans, especially those who served in the Navy, due to asbestos use as an insulator on ships, which made inhalation common. As a result, veterans often qualify for VA benefits.

While pleural mesothelioma remains incurable, treatment options focus on managing symptoms and prolonging life. Surgical procedures like Extra-pleural Pneumonectomy (EPP), performed in early stages, involve removing the affected lung, pleura, diaphragm, and sometimes the heart lining. Pleurectomy decortication, another surgical option, removes the diseased pleura and surface tumors, often performed early but sometimes later to improve breathing and reduce pain.

Postoperative therapies include chemotherapy, with cisplatin and ALIMTA being most effective. Radiation therapy may also be applied post-surgery to lower relapse risk, enhancing patient outcomes.